Cognitive impairment in major depressive disorder and severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms
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| Year of publication | 2017 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | Introduction Cognitive impairment in patients with depressive disorder is a subject of intensive research. Objectives This study deals with the cognitive impairment in patients with severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms and patients with major depressive disorder during the acute state of illness. Aims The aim was to define domains and the level of cognitive impairment in both groups of patients. The next aim was to compare profiles of cognitive impairment in both groups of patients. The last aim was to find out a relationship between cognitive performance and severity of depressive episode during the acute state of illness. Methods We have used neuropsychological test battery (Auditory–Verbal Learning Test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Logical Memory, Digit span test, Trail making test, Verbal Fluency Test, Block Design and Benton Visual Retention Test) for the evaluation of the cognitive functions in patients with severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms (n = 5) and patients with major depressive disorder (n = 8). Results We found cognitive impairment in all examined domains in both groups of patients. More profound cognitive impairment was found in patients with severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms, particularly in visual memory, visuo-constructive abilities, speed of cognitive processing and executive functions. We found no correlation between cognitive performance and severity of depressive episodes. Conclusions Our findings suggest a strong correlation between psychotic symptoms in depression and cognitive performance. |